Police seeking help with identification of dead body found buried in South Vallejo

Published By Times Herald

Vallejo police continue to investigate the discovery of a body buried in a shallow grave near the waterfront, and are hoping someone will step forward and help with an identification, police said Monday.

The discovery near Lemon and Derr streets is being investigated as a possible homicide or a "highly suspicious" incident, Capt. Jim O'Connell said.

An autopsy was performed Monday, but police are still unsure of the person's gender, race or approximate age.

However, police believe the individual could be a male. O'Connell said.

The unidentified person was wearing a G Unit T-shirt with the words "Time is Money" printed on it, and slim Denizen jeans, possibly size 36 or 38. The person was also wearing Fruit of the Loom brand underwear.

The individual was not wearing shoes when found Friday night, O'Connell said.

Due to decomposition and the effects of weather, it is impossible to determine the original color of the clothing or whether the words were printed on the front or back of the T-shirt, he said.

Once police have identified the body, the investigation can proceed more rapidly, he added.

Investigators are asking for the public's help.

"If someone is missing with those clothing items, or those items might seem familiar, please let us know," O'Connell said.

"We would like to determine who it is. We'll continue to investigate. We have forensic work to be done which will aid us in that identity," O'Connell added.

A citizen walking in the area about 7 p.m. came upon what he believed to be a body buried in a "shallow location" near the Southern Pacific railroad tracks, O'Connell said.

Just how long the person was in the shallow area is also unknown. Hot weather may have played a role in how quickly the body decayed, he said.

Police may be able to extract some DNA to assist with identification or may be able to use dental records, though both those methods are time-consuming, officers said.